Self-driving vehicles: Are people willing to trade risks for environmental benefits?

Abstract

Mass adoption of self-driving vehicles (SDVs) is predicted to have a profound effect on the environment. Here, we present three studies (N = 1258) that examine the impact of the environmental benefits (EB) of SDVs on individuals’ acceptance of their risks, and their willingness to ride (WTR) in them. Two types of SDVs were presented: SDVs with a clear mention of positive EB information (“EB-enhanced SDVs”) and SDVs without the mention of positive EB information (“normal SDVs”). Study 1 and Study 2 found that participants expressed higher risk acceptance and WTR regarding EB-enhanced SDVs. Further, Study 2 reported that higher trust in EB-enhanced SDVs, rather than lower negative affect associated with EB-enhanced SDVs, accounted for the participants’ higher risk acceptance and WTR. Study 3 observed that the participants’ acceptable risk of EB-enhanced SDVs was greater than that of normal SDVs in magnitude, although not significant. If SDVs can achieve the purported EB, the public may be willing to tolerate their risks more. Highlighting the environmental advantages of SDVs and increasing public trust in them are likely to be useful strategies for increasing societal acceptance of SDVs.